experience in this area grew out of its representation before the Montana legislature on bank structure reform issues -- primarily, bank branching, merger, and consolidation. The firm has successfully acquired new bank charters and transferred existing charters. The firm has provided representation to banks at the federal level on certain issues, including foreign trade and tax matters. Additionally, the firm has acted as local counsel to out-of-state national banks involved in major financings for acquisition of industrial businesses and large agricultural properties in Montana.